How Do You Appreciate Nurses and Teachers?

Teachers and nurses are hardworking, dedicated, and compassion professionals whose efforts make a difference in the lives of students, patients, and their families. Unfortunately, this group of people rarely receives the recognition they deserve.

1. Do something small every dayFor a memorable and fun weeklong celebration, plan something small each day of the week. This is especially important to include everyone in your appreciation celebration, and especially relevant for nurses who have varying schedules.

One of the most popular ways to celebrate teachers and nurses is by serving lunch or breakfast. Have you meal catered, or if you have a limited budget, arrange a potluck. Schools can recruit parents from various grade levels to provide certain items, and hospitals can ask different departments to volunteer.

Providing a lunch is great for morale and camaraderie. First, it gives recipients a break from having to make their own lunch, so it lets them know you value their time. Plus, it’s fun to enjoy a meal with your colleagues! Teachers and nurses are so busy, they rarely have a moment to themselves during their workday. Arranging a meal will give them the opportunity to slow down for a short period of time.

Another way to express your appreciation is by sprucing up the staff lounge. Tidy the area so that it looks great for the week, and add small amenities that your recipients will appreciate. Put out a bowl of mints or chocolates, decorate with a fresh floral arrangement, and add a wall air freshener. You can even put out fresh fruit and individual size snacks that teachers and nurses can enjoy throughout the week.

Throughout your celebration week, involve people from throughout organization. Teachers and nurses impact beyond than their students and patients; they also make significant contributions to the organization. Teachers will appreciate a letter or certificate from the principal, superintendent, or school board representatives. Nurses should be recognized by doctors or executives of your organization.

Teachers and nurses like gifts that will make their hectic schedules a little easier. Select an item they can use, like this note holder for teachers or this Twist Top tumbler for nurses. Personally deliver your gifts for a more meaningful and memorable recognition moment.

Every teacher and nurse appreciates a good cup of coffee. Give each person a new coffee mug and include a $5 gift card to a local coffee spot – ask local shops for donations - or create your own coffee bar. If your school or hospital already provides coffee, spice up the offerings with flavor syrups, specialty creamers, and even whipped cream. Offer hot chocolate and tea for non-coffee drinkers. It’s a special treat your recipients will appreciate, and it won’t cost you much.

3. Say thank youThe most important thing you can do during Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurses Week is say thank you. A handwritten thank you note remains one of the most desired forms of recognition for employees of all industries, so make sure your thank you is heard loud and clear!

At Baudville, managers commonly will write a Pocket Praise note to an employee and have it sitting on their desk or stuck in their keyboard first thing in the morning. Tape a thank you card to a nurse’s locker or a teacher’s door. It’s a fun surprise to start the day with. Teachers love to receive thanks from their students, so have each child make a homemade thank you card for the teacher and bring them all in on the same day.

Make your appreciation more public by writing a letter to the editor of your local paper singing the praises of the teachers at your school or nurses in your hospital. The letter can be from a parent, student, patient, principal or leader at the healthcare organization.

For a creative way to say thank you, decorate the sidewalks outside your school, office, or hospital with messages of appreciation in chalk! This is a great way to get everyone’s attention during Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurses Week and is guaranteed to put a smile on the faces of all your teachers and nurses.

We also have new ePraise cards specifically for Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurses Week. ePraise is an easy, free, and fast way to say thank you to teachers and nurses. Post a link on your website encouraging staff, parents, students, and patients to send an ePraise in the next few weeks!

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